The Billionaire's Marriage Proposal (Billionaire Bachelors #4)(36)
“That would be great, thank you,” she said. Jennifer quickly made a pot and placed a cup in front of the woman and then joined her at the table. She pulled out a bunch of paperwork from her file and a cold sweat broke out on Jennifer’s skin. This didn’t seem to be a happy visit.
“As you know, your custody of Molly has been temporary until we determined if this would be the best environment for her,” the woman began and by her tone of voice, she seemed to be saying she indeed didn’t think it was a good environment.
“We’ve had interviews with Molly and then you, of course, and have come to the conclusion Molly would be much better off in a more traditional family setting. She had two very loving parents and we don’t think moving into a single parent household is what’s best for her,” the woman said in the same cool tones. It took a few moments for Jennifer to realize what she was saying, but when it hit, she felt all the color drain from her face. The woman was telling her they were going to take Molly from her care.
“I don’t understand. Molly is doing great with me. I have her in school and I have a great job, so providing for her isn’t a problem. I’m her aunt and I don’t think living with strangers would be good for her,” Jennifer pled.
“We do try and have children with relatives if that’s what’s best for them, but with your long work hours and single status, this isn’t an ideal living environment,” the woman said, looking around the tiny room and finding it wanting.
Trenton picked that moment to walk into the room, looking sexy as sin in his clothes from the night before. He certainly didn’t look bedraggled like her. He looked like the confident businessman he was. He stepped over to the coffee pot and poured himself a cup and then joined them at the table. Even the snooty social worker seemed a bit flushed in his presence, as the man seemed to have that effect on all women, no matter their age.
“Good afternoon. I’m Trenton Anderson,” he said, while sticking out his hand. The woman actually blushed as she took his hand and Jennifer sat there in shock.
“Hello, I’m Betsy,” she replied and Jennifer’s mouth dropped open. She didn’t even know the woman had a first name, let alone been allowed to hear it. She sent Trenton a glare and he actually had the nerve to wink at her. She’d have words for him later, since her temper was starting to rise. She hated the power he held, when she herself, felt so hopeless.
“That’s a beautiful name, I’m sorry to interrupt but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation,” he told her, causing the woman to blush, again.
“That’s perfectly okay, Mr. Anderson,” she said. Jennifer had the feeling if she were the one to interrupt she wouldn’t have gotten such a pleasant response.
“You won’t have to worry about Jennifer’s single status any further, as she’s my fiancé. We’re getting married at the end of this week. My father has always wanted a Christmas wedding,” he told the woman. She looked at him dreamily, while Jennifer stared in shock. She couldn’t believe he’d lie to the social worker. It wasn’t like she wouldn’t figure out the truth when a wedding didn’t occur.
“Well, Jennifer, why didn’t you tell me,” she turned to Jennifer in admonishment. Jennifer couldn’t speak.
“Things have happened so quickly and I know she was planning on calling you right away, as a matter of fact, we’d like to invite you to the wedding since you’ve been such an asset in Molly’s life,” he said smoothly, taking Jennifer’s hand in his and bringing it to his lips, where he gently kissed her palm, sending a tingling sensation all the way down to her toes.
“That sounds just lovely, Mr. Anderson, and will you be living in a more suitable place for the child?” she asked, completely ignoring Jennifer.
“Yes, Molly will have a nice house to run free in, with a playground, of course, as all children need,” he answered. Jennifer could feel bile in her throat, as the lies kept growing. She didn’t know how she was going to get out of all this. She certainly knew she was going to strangle Trenton as soon as Ms. Ellis left.
“Sounds perfect. We’ll put a hold on this transfer and give you the time to get things done,” she said, as she stood up, once again shaking Trenton’s hand and then walking out the front door. She hadn’t even bothered to say goodbye to Jennifer. Once she knew the coast was clear, she turned toward Trenton with murder in her eyes.
“How dare you lie to her, you pompous, self-serving, arrogant man? When this wedding doesn’t take place, she’ll think I’m a liar, as well as incompetent, and they will take Molly from me for sure,” she yelled, as she stalked closer to him. She’d never in her life wanted to physically hurt someone, but at that moment she wanted to hit him repeatedly.
Trenton watched Jennifer and felt his body spring to life. Her anger was an impressive thing to watch and he found himself wanting her so badly he hurt all over. He smiled, which caused her eyes to spark, and her face to redden. He was fascinated with her reaction and found himself wanting to push her buttons even further.
She came toward him with her hand raised. He didn’t know if she planned on slugging him, or scratching his eyes out, but he didn’t give her time to do either. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her with so much heat, he didn’t know how they both didn’t combust.